Friday, 29 January 2010

This week's Fabulous Friday crafter is... Kathryn from Lazy Daisy Glass. Kathryn wrote a fantastic guest blog for us a last week about glass fusing ~ now read about Kathryn and see a few of her gorgeous creations.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?I first started working with glass about 6 years ago - first working with stained glass. My background has been administration/working in an office, so this was a great hobby to try.. When I first moved to Scotland i passed a stained glass workshop and popped in to see all about it. I always wanted to try it, so enquired and enrolled on a 6 week course. One year later i was still attending the course and loving it. I bought the essential equipment and set up at home - only as a hobby. I attended local craft fairs and sold through friends. Sales began to slow down dramatically - no one was buying stained glass hangers or decorative pieces. Two years ago, I had a huge desire to work with fused glass and invested my maternity money in a kiln, some glass and a book. I studied the book, did some research on the internet and began practising. I loved working with fused glass and the possibilities were endless. I now have my own studio and run my own business from home (as I am also a full-time mother of a 2.5 year old) and attend large shows and trade fairs. I enjoy my craft very much and always thinking of new ideas.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?The only negative aspect would be looking after a 2.5 year old and combining a full-time job. I work many hours and never stop - it's a seven day a week job. Obviously with a young child to look after, I cannot spend many hours during the day in my studio and find that frustrating at times. But my priority is looking after my daughter. In emergencies, I have asked a friend to look after her for a few hours, but this doesn't happen very often, as I believe that she is my responsibility. Other than that, it works very well. Working from home gives you the flexibility of choosing your own hours.What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?Always try before you buy - as the equipment is very costly, it is worth spending some time on a course. Afterall, you may not enjoy it as much as you had hoped. It is quite a technical craft and there is a huge amount to learn about kilns and how they operate. I initially invested £1000 in my first kiln, studio equipment and some glass. I have recently invested in a large flatbed kiln and costed £4500 (including additional wiring/installation). As you can see, it is not a 'hobby' craft - you need to be pretty serious to work with fused glass. Start small, as I did, and you can invest further if you think you like it or can make a living out of it.

How did you find Misi?When MISI first started, I was contacted by Emma, but was not in a position to try it at that point. I had too many other things going on. As MISI became more popular, I thought I would try it. I now have a few items in my shop, but not my complete product range. I subscribe to Craft & Design Magazine and was recently reading an article about internet shop-window sites - MISI was featured and Emma gave an interview about the site. I think Emma has done very well publicising the site.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?I have just added a new item - Swirly Heart hanger. This is my favourite because I love hearts and what they symbolise and the swirl just adds a bit of colour and hopefully people will think that they are a little different. An ideal item for Valentines Day or even a wedding present.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?I think this shop is wonderful - Julie WaldronCombining art with functionality is a great idea. The clock designs are beautiful.

Random Facts about you:What is your favourite season? It would be summer - everyone has a spring in their step and are much happier.

What is your ideal vacation? I love the carribean and have been on holiday to this part of the world a few times. I do not spend everyday on the beach though, I like to explore the islands and local culture.What is your favourite food? Cornish pasty and Cornish Clotted Cream - although not together!! (being Cornish I would have to say that!!)What is your favourite animal? My cat, Goldie. I rescued her from the streets of London, she was in a terrible state when I found her, but she's beautiful now. I love all types of cats - they are cute and cuddly.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed? Oooo, there are quite a few!!! Hugh Jackman is my favourite - I tend to go for the rugged looking ones. He was great in Swordfish.